Reminding myself of certain principles I seem to keep forgetting

You don't have to be first, you just have to be better at it than most people

Speak only when your contribution adds value to the conversation, otherwise hold your tongue. Don't get nervous about keeping quiet and start muttering things. Listen and absorb.

Your job is not to worry about the rewards, your job is just to do the thing well.

Your job is to think of creative things, how it gets used or whether you get recognition for it or not is none of your concern.

Are you learning and getting better or are you killing time? Always focus on how you can use the moment in front of us.

Keep learning. Keep reading. Never stop growing. Your education is your problem alone and this journey requires consistent effort and not just intermittent spurts.

You can learn from anyone, younger, older, less experienced, more experienced, doesn't matter. What is key here is actually LISTENING to people when they speak and not going in with a pre-conceived notion of what they are trying to convey. Always keep an open mind. Don't be self absorbed. Don't listen to reply. 

There are NO ABSOLUTES in life. There is no ONE RIGHT way. Everyone has their own perspective and approach. Appreciate each of them. When people tell you things that you do not like, don't jump to conclusion or judgement. 

Open your mind.

What if? What if all of it was possible? What if I have been wrong all along? What if I never thought of it this way? What if education on the subject constrained my thinking in a linear manner, effectively mapping a curve through a straight line. It just doesn't fit. 

What if there are higher order ways of looking at things and hence there are newer approaches that I have never pursued?

What if I am too egotistical to accept a random person/ person that I otherwise despise can be so much better than me at the topic and that is why I am rejecting their notion?

You know where I am specially going wrong? I want to be good, but not through sustained repeated effort over time, no siree. I want to be good immediately, with as fast a learning curve as exponentially possible. What I have forgotten is that true learning takes time, effort, discipline, rigour and the usual concoction of blood, sweat and tears.

Lights out Alice!